Choosing the right cycling helmet can be a difficult task. There are so many different bike helmet models from which to choose, and they all have their own set of pros and cons. The key is to find the one that best suits your needs.
A helmet is one of the most essential pieces of equipment for bikers. It needs to be tight enough so it won’t fly off in a crash, but also not too tight, that one cannot breathe comfortably.
So, how to choose a bicycle helmet? Well, lets find out…
It should be worn, level on one’s head and cover the head as much as possible without obstructing one’s vision or hearing ability.
The straps need to be secured and also comfortable when tightened, but not too loose that they fall down over your eyes when looking up at traffic lights.
Also, do not forget about safety features like vents and padding.
Tips On Choosing A Bike Helmet
1) Do not wear anything under your helmet that might interfere with the fit or comfort of the helmet. This includes headphones and hair clips/ties.
The helmet should fit snugly on your head. If you wear a scarf or other type of clothing under the helmet, it can prevent a proper fit and could even cause injury in case of an accident.
2) Make sure the front of your helmet sits one to two finger-widths above your eyebrows. This ensures visibility is not impaired.
3) There should be a few centimeters distance between the back of your head and the shell at the bottom rear part of the helmet.
4) Before you buy it, make sure to try on the exact model of the helmet before making any purchases. Different brands have different shapes and sizes that will fit one’s head much better than others.
5) Make sure to buy a helmet with enough vents so you don’t overheat during the ride, but not too many that noise is an issue when riding at high speeds or in windy conditions.
6) If you are buying online, be sure to read customer reviews that detail how well the helmet fits their head and whether they would buy it and recommend their purchase to family and friends.
7) Even if there is no apparent damage, you should change your cycling helmet every few years in order to maintain its safety. The plastic and foam may deteriorate over time, making the helmet less safe.
8) For night driving, try to use bright coloured and helmets with reflective straps.
Read: Tips To Conquer You Cycling Fears
Let’s be honest, if you are wearing a helmet that has been in use for more than five years , then I believe it is time to get a new one.
What To Focus On When Selecting The Right Cycling Helmet?
There are many things to consider when choosing the right bike helmet. Make sure you look for safety features; comfort and style are also important in one’s selection process.
The best way to determine what type of helmet will work best for you is by understanding how helmets protect riders from head injuries. We have provided a list of features below that you should look for in a cycling helmet.
Safety:
In India it is compulsory to wear an ISI mark helmet.
It will provide the best protection. Helmets with the local certification may also be acceptable, but this varies from country to country so we always recommend checking your local cycling regulations before purchasing one.
Comfort:
A good cycling helmet should fit snugly and feel comfortable. You want to make sure that it is not too loose or too tight, as the right fit will help absorb shock in case of a crash.
It should sit level on one’s head and cover most (if not all) of their forehead above the eyebrows – this helps ensure proper protection for areas like the temple.
Style:
Helmets come in many styles and designs so you can choose one based on what look best matches your personal preferences. This piece of equipment does more than just protect you from injury during rides; it also speaks volumes about who you are as a cyclist :).
The two main categories that helmets fall into are skate style helmets with flat brims, which are popular with road cyclists and time trial riders, and traditional helmets that come in a variety of colors or styles.
Look for a bike helmet that complements your unique riding style.
Also Read: Tips To Cycle Safely
Helmet’s Construction
The construction of helmets varies greatly depending on the type. The simplest types consist of little more than a protective hat with some padding underneath to protect from crushing blows, while others are very complex and made out of materials such as Kevlar or titanium.
Parts
Helmets have 3 parts:
- Shell: protection, durable, outer layer
- Interior padding that protects the head from impact. It may be lined with cloth or waterproof material to soak up sweat and protect against rain,
- Straps/chinstraps secure the helmet in place on your head so it does not move around when you are riding fast. Straps are usually made of nylon or leather.
Outer Shell
Which kind of protection you need depends on what type of activity you do. The outer shell is the first line of defense against impact, it is made of durable, lightweight material like plastic or carbon fiber and is designed to absorb shock in case one crashes.
It can be smooth or have vents for better air circulation.
Interior Padding
The interior padding absorbs shock and protects one’s head from impact by absorbing energy during a crash.
The more expensive helmets are lined with materials like Kevlar, carbon fiber, titanium , etc, which results in lighter weight construction.
But, these are very expensive, so most people use foam pads instead of lightweight composite materials.
The majority of pads are made with foam and covered in a breathable fabric, but some helmets use cloth instead of plastic to keep the moisture away from one’s head.
Chinstrap
The chinstrap on the helmet should always be close-fitting, but not so tight that it interferes with the seal on the padding. Helmet straps are made of nylon or leather and can be very durable.
Nowadays, expanded polystyrene foam (EPF) is the go-to material for most helmet manufacturers, but many do use a combination of foam and lightweight composite materials.
The EPS absorbs the shock from an impact so your head doesn’t have to. Helmet shells are usually made out of plastic or carbon fiber which is lighter than metal but much stronger so the helmet will not deform if you crash into something.
Helmet manufacturers have to pass a series of tests in order for the helmet to be certified.
How do you know which bicycle helmet is the best fit for you?
Measure the Head
The first thing one needs to do is measure their head. One can use a cloth tape or a piece of string and ruler, whichever works for them best. 1 to 2 inches above the brows is a good place to start.
While there are some exceptions, the general rule is to follow the sizing table.
Once you know your head circumference, check the sizing chart for the brand of helmet that is best suited to accommodate your size.
Sizing Table
- Extra Small size: Under 20 inches or around 51 cms.
- Small size : 20 inch to 21.7 inch or 51cm- 55cms.
- Medium size : 21.75 inches to 23.25 inches or 55cm to 59cms.
- Large size: under 23.25 inches to 24.75 inches or about 59 cm to 63cms.
- Extra Large size: Above 24.75 inches or about 63cms.
- One size fits all: It is for everyone, because it has a very adjustable fit system that fits all sizes.
Purpose
One thing I like about bicycle helmets is how they are designed with specific purposes in mind. For example, if you plan on riding an ATV up a mountain trail or downhill at high speeds, then it would be a good idea to invest in a full-face helmet.
On the other hand, if one is going for a leisurely ride on a sunny day with their dog by their side, then it would be more practical and affordable to choose an open face or half shell model.
Buckle the straps
Just like with measuring your head circumference, as a general rule of thumb, make sure you buckle up all straps to ensure a tight fit and proper protection when riding around town or down trails.
Open your mouth as wide as you can while wearing the chin strap to keep it comfortable.
Hope you could learn how to choose a bike helmet from this article.